Anti-erosive effect of a self-assembling peptide gel

This study analyzed the anti-erosive effect of a self-assembling peptide fibre gel. One hundred and twelve bovine enamel samples were ground flat and subjected to a three times de- and re-mineralization cycle: erosion (5 min, HCl, pH 2.6) alternated with storage in artificial saliva under agitation. Then, samples were covered with different anti-erosive compounds (2 min): Duraphat toothpaste (DT), Elmex Erosion Protection Toothpaste (EET) or Elmex Gelée (EG) – all mixed with saliva (1:3) –, Elmex Erosion Protection Mouthwash (EEM), Curodont Protect (CP; self-assembling peptide gel) or MI Paste Plus (MIP). Untreated, water stored samples served as control. In experiment 1, half of the samples of each group were continuously superfused with HCl (pH 2.6, 60 μl/min, 8 min). In experiment 2, the second half of samples were subjected to eight cycles, each consisting of application of the respective anti-erosive compound followed by an erosion (60 s, HCl, pH 2.6), followed by remineralization in artificial saliva (45 min). Enamel loss was profilometrically determined. In experiment 1, EEM and EET performed significantly better compared to all other compounds. Substance loss of all other compounds did not differ significantly from control. In experiment 2, significantly better performance was achieved by EEM and EET. EG showed significantly lower protection than the control. All other applied compounds yielded no significant difference compared to control. Under the chosen conditions, the self-assembling peptide-containing compound showed no anti-erosive effect.